Discussions on Inclusivity
Is your UU women's group having discussions about inclusivity and what it means to your group? The national/continental UUW&R doesn't set policy for other groups. There is one surviving original district W&R task force group, the Women and Religion Pacific Central District. All the other groups either dissolved over the years (especially after being defunded by the UUA) or morphed into other free-standing organizations.
We've put together some links to words that other groups are using. Your group may want to discuss and come to some kind of consensus on the policy for your gatherings. In the case of congregational UU women's groups, it may be wise to follow the guidelines set by the congregation if there are any.
I pulled all of this off various organization websites. Let us know if you have more to add! My comments are in italics. -- Gretchen
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Continental UU Women and Religion
- ... the movement still exists in UU communities that hold Women & Religion programs and gatherings for those who identify as women.
- UU Women & Religion is open to all people who embrace our mission.
- Any person is eligible for membership in UUW&R who is in general accord with the above-stated purpose and who supports the work of the group.
- Generally when we have a Red Tent in the Exhibit Hall at GA, we post a sign saying it's open to all who identify as women. We are currently in discussions about whether to host that again in 2025 and what inclusiveness means in this context.
Women and Religion PCD (Western U.S.)
- About Us : Our group is for all women, but especially those living within the Pacific Central region corresponding to the Pacific Central District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We are an independent organization not affiliated with UUA PCD.
SW UU Women (SouthWest U.S.)
- SWUUW aligns itself with the spirit of Welcoming Congregations as depicted by the UUA. All who identify as women are welcome. Our definition of “women” is expansive and includes anyone who feels that they belong in this space, including those who identify as nonbinary.
UU Women's Connection (MidWest U.S.)
- All those who identify as women are welcome!
UU Womenspirit (Southeast U.S.)
- All women are welcome at UUWomenspirit, regardless of sex assigned at birth. Here, we believe and affirm that transgender women are women. While we recognize that we are still learning and growing, we aim to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all women who wish to celebrate the Feminine Divine.
SisterSoUUrce (International)
- After years of research about Black UU women, mostly historic personalities, we recognized the even greater marginalization of girls and those who identify as womxn, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary. Our intent is to create with this website a more inclusive community. Here, we amplify our voices and our stories. Here, we make room for an inclusive range of folks to more fully identify and claim the richness of our lives as Black UUs with pride and intentionality.
International Convocation of UU Women (International)
- ICUUW advances equity for women and girls worldwide through leadership development, empowerment and awareness programs, advocacy, and resources.
- Led by Unitarian*Universalist women from around the world, its members include Unitarian*Universalists and other people of liberal religious faith.
- Membership is open to any person at least 18 years of age.
- I know that at their recent Convocation in Cluj Romania, men were welcome and several attended. There are often one or two attending regular online gatherings.
- Membership is open to women and gender-expansive people, but all genders are welcome to support our work through financial support and participation in our all-gender programming.
- The UUWF builds covenantal relationships amongst UU women that equip us all to be better co-conspirators and allies in the movement for collective liberation.
- a) Individual members are members of a Unitarian or Universalist congregation or fellowship who are in good standing and have paid an annual fee, the amount to be fixed by the National Council and ratified by the members at the Annual Meeting or Special General Meeting.
- They hold women's retreats occasionally but I don't find specific wording as to who is welcome. Vancouver Island Women’s Gathering – Canadian UU Women's Association
Eliot Women's Weekend (St. Louis area)
- This retreat is open to all UU women and friends
Association of Universalist Women (Minneapolis area)
- Open to women, no definition.
- UU women-aligned folks
Ferry Beach Camp In the Company of Women weekend
- However you identify your sexual orientation (Gay, Bi, Lesbian, or Straight…), no matter whom you love, you are welcome here.
Giving Tuesday
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. This is the first time UUWR has participated in GivingTuesday.
Many thanks to a handful of donors who contributed $160 total. With the match, we now have $320.
Newsletter Reboot
At long last we've re-started a regular newsletter! We hope you find useful resources in it.
You can subscribe below.
Report from GA 2023
Our first day of the Exhibit Hall was busy and exhausting! Pauline and I drove to Pittsburgh Monday, spent all day Tuesday and part of Wednesday morning setting up the booth, and then chatted with folks all afternoon. We sold out of 3 different items by Thursday, and the interest was already high.
GA2023 in Pittsbugh
We'll see you at General Assembly June 21-25! UUW&R will have a packed exhibit booth.
Our featured UU works this year are:
- Bold goddess and chalice jewelry by Nan Rogers/Studio Aurora
- T-shirts and custom drinkware by Paulette J/Bougainvillea Bloom
- Hand made ceramic chalices by Kimberlee Carlson/Kimberlee Clay
- Healing stone bracelets and earrings by Lisa Larsen/Venus Rising
- New editions of books by Meg Bowman/Hot Flash Press
- Abstract art prints by Katharine Lion
- Curricula by Religious Educator Michelle Richards
- Pride bracelets and earrings by Ladyweave Webs.
- More digital downloadable products!
- Guest appearances/programs by some of our artists.
SPECIAL GUEST ANN KEELER EVANS, M.Div.
What if there were a Tarot, that was not your grandmother’s tarot and was the most UU Tarot you could imagine? Historically, Tarot answered questions about the fates’ influence on your lives. What happens when you release antiquated archetypes, hierarchies, and isms?
Ann Keeler Evans’ Peacemaker Tarot for the 21st Century answers those questions — releasing the mysticism without losing Mystery. What are you called to in this world? What do your gifts make you perfectly suited to offer? How will you change the world? Have a reading, buy the books, (you can buy a set of cards on-line and download Volume II-C to support your reading of her cards.)
One-card Major Arcana readings offered on site for $30 (with $5 included for UUWR). Inquire/Schedule a longer 5 Card Major Arcana reading with Ann for $125 at ann@annkeelerevans.org.
Ann will be at the booth Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
We are also holding another raffle to give away 6 more gift bags.
Newsletters 2023-
Spring Equinox newsletter online.
2023 Imbolc newsletter online or download a PDF: 2023 02 22 UUWR newsletter Imbolc (532 KB) .
You can subscribe below.
UUWR Historical Documents
Thanks to the efforts of our Continental UUW&R core group, district W&R groups who contributed materials, and Meadville-Lombard Theological School, UUW&R historical documents are now digitized and available to read online!
District W&R Task Force newsletters are available, as well as Central MidWest District W&R's creative journal, Sophia.
As part of Meadville-Lombard's Heresies Special Collection, the physical documents are available in their library in Chicago.
Do you have W&R materials stashed away somewhere? UUW&R would love to have them. Contact Gretchen to make arrangements.
Subcategories
Reproductive Justice
If you have any questions, please contact UU Women and Religion, info@uuwr.org.
Main resources from the UUA: www.uua.org/reproductive